MEW~! Finally the story gets good. It's almost impossible to type in the situation I'm in: I'm in an apartment complex in Wildwood Crest for a week, my brother - whom I share a room with - keeps playing National Treasure 2 on our TV, and the interwebz service here is all but clear and perfect. Meh, oh well. Thank god, I've saved the PMs I've had with my roleplaying friend. COPYPASTAEDITZORZ. (And a warning to my "aberrant" friend: this is where it gets juicy. Caution.) Oh, and for those of you are anti-rushed-romance, go suck on a clam...

Chapter Eight: No Longer A Monster

Erik's eyes widened in utter shock, and his hands now began to tremble. Aleera's eyes were closed, cheeks dyed a rich scarlet, and she was kissing him! She could feel his lips, as deathly cold as they were, and didn't even flinch. But as soon as it had begun, it ended as well. Aleera's lips detached themselves from his own, though the feeling still lingered. Her eyes batted open and gazed at Erik, who returned it with his own, his blue eyes displaying his longing and shock.

"I...I'm sorry..." she said, nervously sinking her teeth into her bottom lip. "I don't know what came over me..."

Of course. It was a pity kiss. Another Christine pity kiss, but from a different set of lips. Erik could have vomited from those memories right then and there. Instead, he asked his childish manipulator one simple question: "Why?"

"Why...what?" Aleera seemed positively clueless. "Oh, my kiss?"

Erik narrowed his eyes at her in response, holding his breath. Watching, waiting for her sweet lips to produce either a song he had so longed to hear from another, or the nightmarish words that would force his heart into another vice for the life to be squeezed clean out.

"I...wanted to," she finally sighed out, the blush worsening. "I really...I jus- I wanted to...Did I upset you...?" She truly was a sight to behold. Not a single lie hid dormant in her expression. Erik could only see sincerity in this young woman, and for a minute longer, he would throw propriety completely to the wind. His eyes closed again as he pressed his lips to hers once more, his face flushed red with desire, throwing Aleera off completely. He wound his fingers into her hair, clutching Aleera's face against his, her own hand remaining stationary against the abhorrid side of his face. Her fingertips soon began to caress his marred skin, and her tongue began to slip along the crevace of his lips.

Erik shivered at the feel of her soft fingers against his cheek and her tongue at the ready, yet responded by parting his lips for her, feeling her tongue delve into his mouth. Several moans began to escape his throat as Aleera seemed to find every sensitive spot within the warm cavern of his mouth. His own tongue soon rose to dance with hers, savoring her taste as if it were a drop of the finest wine. She was sweet and hot, and he felt as if he could melt into her. He didn't want to stop; Aleera had heard his story, seen the true monstrosity of the Phantom, and still did not think any less of him. She actually cared for him, and here she was: showing him the affection he had craved for so long. The love neither his mother, nor Luciana, nor Christine could return.

Within another minute, it became apparent that the two were in need of air, and Aleera broke the kiss, gasping softly as the warmth he had poured into her began to drain. She then felt herself wrapped up in Erik's longing arms, and returned the gesture, holding him to her.

"Thank you, Aleera," Erik whispered into her ear. "I...I adore you. It's only been three days...my god, I can't believe what an angel you are..."

Aleera only gace a cheery laugh and pulled herself from his grasp just enough to look up at his face. She could no longer see the deformity. Now, she could only see her teacher. Her friend. Her companion whom she had become quite fond of in quite a short amount of time.

Aleera truly didn't know how to respond. It seemed as if her logic had vanished and her emotions now began to speak for her. "Erik..." she whispered back, the look in the Opera Ghost's emotional blue-gray eyes making her want to swoon, "I've heard so much about you... I dreamt of meeting you for years...and now-" She laughed cheerfully. "-here I am. Here we are. It's funny; my first kiss was stolen by the Phantom of the Opera."

Her first kiss? The poor little angel had never experienced affection of the romantic sort as well. Surely, it was understandable due to her age, but with her beauty, it didn't seem possible that she had always lacked a beau of her own. "Stolen? I do apologize then," Erik whispered, his mouth twisting into a coy little grin. "Still, how do you not fear me?" He began to cover her face in tiny kisses.

Aleera giggled as he showered her cheeks with his chaste kisses, remaining red in the face. "Well, you don't seem like you'd harm me," she said. "And the only time you've gotten irritated with me is because of my lack of dancing expertise. But, you're a very charming, well-spoken, intelligent man." And you might have just stolen my heart. "What valid reason is there to be afraid?"

Erik sat there silent for a moment. She truly was naive. Didn't know what she was facing or getting herself into. Sighing, he took her shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes. "I have killed people, Aleera. For my own protection and anonymity, but I have still killed." He spoke slowly, letting the words sink in. "As for your dancing, you have passion the other girls lack. I can help you." Erik kissed up her arm, making Aleera shiver. "After all, seduction is the art of the Phantom."

"Erik, trust me, I heard every detail of your story, and I know about the murders that occurred here when Christine still sang. But I can assure you, I will never be afraid of you, unless my life is in danger."

"I have promised you, my dear: your life will never be in danger as long as I'm around. I just cannot understand the compassion you feel toward me." Erik clutched her to him, his whole body buzzing with adoration.

Aleera blinked a few times, but didn't embrace him back. "Do you...not believe me...?" she asked softly. Of course, he doesn't believe you, stupid girl. His heart has been toyed with too much for too long to even attempt to feel the same way again. Ridding herself of all doubt, she began to speak again before Erik could respond. "I don't know how to describe it, Erik, but..." She reached for his hand and pressed it against her collarbone. "Can you feel how fast my heart is pounding? That kiss was one of a more friendly gesture...but...but the second our lips touched, something sparked inside of me. I don't know what it is..."

Erik could surely tell that Aleera was not lying. Her heart was pounding almost tenfold of what its usual beat should be. He felt the rise and fall of her breasts and groaned slightly. He could tell that this wasn't a kiss out of pity. She felt compassion toward him, but was afraid of it. Out of pure urgency, Erik didn't see any other way to bring out more of her than to pull her back and crush her lips in a fiery kiss, almost shocking her with his ferocity. He could feel her arms sheepishly wrap around his neck, but before she had a chance to respond, he pulled away swiftly and crossed to the other side of the room. Retreating. Turning to the wall, with his hands behind his back, he spoke quietly. "I apologize for my eagerness, Aleera."

Aleera smiled and adjusted herself before crossing the room as well, resting one hand on his shoulder. "I like your eagerness, Mons- er, Erik," she said softly, a gentle giggle piping up in her throat. "You merely surprised me."

Erik pulled her into an embrace. "I am sorry," he whispered, kissing her forehead. "I am not accustomed to relationships... that was my first kiss not given in pity."

Aleera smiled and pushed up on her tiptoes, kissing his cheek softly. "How do you think I feel, Erik?" she asked him. "I know I'm just a young girl, but that doesn't change the fact that we're both not used to actual affection. From anyone..."

"Ma cher, why are you not used to affection? You are beautiful woman, Aleera." Erik stroked her hair and kissed her forehead once again.

"Just like you, I grew up without any parental love. My parents were always overly involved in their work, and I never had any siblings or friends to play with. And..." She blushed as he kissed her forehead. "...I've just never gotten the opportunity to really see the world and meet new people. But you, you've been all over Europe, and some of the Middle East. You've been places I've dreamt of exploring since I was a little girl..." She shook her head a bit and laughed. "That might be why some men might not find me appealing; I have the mindset of a child."

Erik chuckled and shook his head. "Don't be ridiculous," he said warmly. "It is precisely your childlike wonder and acceptance that makes you alluring to me... But, would you like to see the world?"

Aleera simply nodded. "Yes, of course. I've always wanted to find more. To see and do more..."

"I promise you, my love, that one day, we shall travel the world together, just you and I. We shall travel to lands where no single person shall see me as a monster."

Erik's words could've stopped Aleera's little heart from beating. She looked up into his eyes, and incredulous look on her face. "Wha-...you'll really take me to explore the world?" she asked. "Erik...I don't know what to say..." It seemed that that one kiss she had bestowed on him had sent Erik into a spiral of absolute paradise. Just thinking of the joy she had brought him caused a smile to form on her lips.

"Absolutely. I love music, but I have no true ties here. I am free to go as I please, and surely the Opera House staff might be relieved to be rid of me. I just have had no reason to leave...until now." He grinned down at her, holding her chin, and placing a soft kiss upon her lips before Aleera could think of anything to say.

Aleera's smile seemed to be plastered on her rosy lips as she kissed him and placed her hand against his upper chest. When she finally found the reason to speak, she gave him a small push. "Erik...does it seem like we're moving too fast...?" she asked softly. Her conscience only drew her to what was right, what was proper, but the look in her eyes convinced Erik that she didn't want to slow down.

"You see, that is for you to judge Aleera, for I would not know of such things, now would I?" Erik's tone was playful, but there was a hint of biting hurt in his eyes. He stood to his full height and replaced his mask, leaning against the wall of the dressing room.

"Neither would I, Erik..." Aleera frowned slightly when he placed his mask back on. She didn't care about his face. He'd probably be more comfortable with the white leather off his sensitive skin anyway. "You know, when you're with me, you don't have to wear that mask..."

Erik blinked a few times in surprise, chuckling. "Thank you, little darling," he said happily, though he left the mask on. "Still, unlike me, you have grown up in the company of people and though you may not have lived every moment yourself as far as romance or affection...you have certainly heard of them." He tapped Aleera's nose affectionately and made her flinch, kissing her cheek

"Well, that is true. I have heard - and read - of the ways of romance and simple affection...I've just never gotten the opportunity to express it." A small blush crept over her cheeks again, and with a light giggle rising in her throat, she tapped his nose back.

She's just like a child. That purity and compassion...I adore it. "Such a pity that you haven't, little darling, for any who would wish to be in your company would surely adore you."

Aleera was beaming from the simple things Erik told her. This man, who had for many years captivated her imagination, was now doing the same to her heart. She felt light-headed, almost as if his affection were sending her into a trance. "What can I say? Some wait lifetimes to find someone who would be the recipient of their care and love..."

Isn't that the truth... "Aleera, I have walked upon this earth for forty years without knowing true affection. My last romance nearly consumed my soul, but this-dare I say- blooming one, feeds it." Erik pulled Aleera into a warm hug, caressing her hair softly, and pressing careful kisses to her full lips.

A romance? They had something like that? Aleera wrapped her thin arms about him, pressing back into each kiss. Each time Erik would pull away, it was as if a sinking feeling pulled her heart into her stomach, which would only be relieved by another kiss. "Erik..." She sighed his name, licking her lips when he finally pulled away to listen to her. "...I never could've dreamed this could become the start of a romance. My childhood mission was to meet you and be a friend to you...then you became a teacher...then a guardian...and now..." She laughed softly, shaking her head, the feathery brown locks of hair upon her head swaying as she did so. "I don't know if this is strange...or wrong, and if it's either one of those, I don't care."

"Just hearing that, little darling...you might have the ability to mend my heart." Erik kissed her passionately, his strong hand upon the small of her back. Cradling Aleera to him and whirling her around the room in a slow waltz, he leaned his head into her collarbone as she giggled in that trademark childish laugh of hers.. She had a soft flowery scent about her, and it filled his senses with absolute joy.

"I wish I could mend it completely, so that it could be as if you never once grieved in your life..." Aleera whispered. She let her small, pale hand trail through his dark hair.

"A pleasant fantasy, Aleera, but my heart bears so many scars, it is a wonder it still beats as it does. I adore you, my dear, in a way that I cannot explain even to myself. This is what matters. The here, the now. The past cannot change, but the future is ours to build." Erik pulled Aleera closer to him, gazing into her beautiful, dark eyes. He could not believe the insurmountable charm this woman held for him, and for once in his life, Erik did not beg for or take control as the richness of love swallowed his mind and soul. All Erik could sense or know was Aleera. "I offer you my heart, in the hopes that you won't break it..."

His heart... Erik, do I really have your heart? Aleera thought, asking him the many questions and saying the many things she desired to utter, without a single part of her lips. I'm a child. A stupid one at that. Can you really trust me with something of yours that is so fragile? I do not wish to break it, but I feel as if my ignorant little self could damage it beyond repair. Don't trust me with your heart, please...

"I promise you, Erik, I won't hurt you." Curses. Now you have gone off the deep end.

"That is all I ask, little darling," Erik whispered with a smile. But as soon as his smile had appeared, it vanished, and his body pulled slowly from Aleera's. "I should leave you now. To sleep. I am sure these past few days have been hard on you, and you must be exhausted from tonight's performance."

It was as if the moment Erik uttered these words, a yawn began to blossom in Aleera's mouth, covering it quickly to dull its appearance. "I suppose..." was all she had to say.

"Then, bonne nuit, my angel..." Erik reached for her hand and pulled it to his lips, which lightly pressed against her knuckles. "My Aleera..." And with an elegant bow of farewell and a swirl of his cape, the Phantom left, closing the door silently behind him.

Three...

Two...

One. Aleera began to feel weak in the knees, and soon dropped to the floor upon them, her costume crinkling beneath her weight. She buried her face in her small hands and began to weep. Her body seemed to tremble as it never had before, and the saddest sobs rose in her burning throat. Aleera didn't know why exactly she was crying, if Erik giving himself to her, body and soul, was a good or bad thing, but she still sat there, melancholy, alone, and frightened.

Of course, you know what you've gotten yourself into, right, Aleera? You are walking on the thinnest ice, having feelings for Erik. He'll kill you. The man can't bear to stand another heartbreak. If you do so much as cause him a moment to weep, he will take the time to track you down to the ends of the earth and kill you. You are only eighteen, and yet you have just sacrificed everything you have to this man. And one who captures your first kiss three days after meeting him. He is a no-good, murderous, seductive, manipulative...

God, he's perfect.

Aleera leaned back against the edge of the chair positioned behind her, beginning to feel her heart all aflutter once again. When he kissed her. He's perfect. Every part of him. Such beautiful, sad eyes. Such an intoxicating smile. I do not care about his face at all. It doesn't matter to me.

Aleera walked to her armoir where her nightgown was waiting for her, casually drooped over the top arched corner. Sighing in relief, her body feeling much lighter, she pulled it down and set it upon her bed before taking great care to remove her costume. Loosening the corset ribbons and sliding the dress from her body until she stood only in a white chemise and a pair of frilly bloomers. She neatly draped the costume over the red velvet chair, and slid on the nightgown before blowing out the flame on her small gas lamp and climbing into bed.

That night, the young brunette's dreams were filled with images of the most horrid sort. Her peers, laughing at her. Mocking her lack of skill, lack of intelligence. She weeps and flees to the rooftop via a set of almost never-ending stairs, a light snow having just begun to fall. She drops to her knees and the tears don't even begin to diminish. That is when she feels a strong yet gently hand grasp hers, pulling her onto her feet before she is enveloped in a wave of darkness. Yet, she can feel everything. Each stroke of fingers through her hair and against the small of her back. Each note of a hummed lullaby being sung for her.

"Shhh...Aleera...my little darling, please do not cry. You don't wish to break my heart, do you? Smile for me. Laugh for me, let me know you are calm."

She knew that voice. It was Erik. The Phantom. The man who captivated her, inspired her...cared for her.

I love you...

BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YUSH! Finally, some lovey-dovey stuff. Oh, and people, I just painted my own POTO t-shirt. Ten times better than what you can get at the Broadway performance. Curse you, Majestic Theatre, and your unbearable prices! And ohnoes...Howard McGillin's out. No more Howie-Phan...aw... He was my first. Er, anyway, PLEASE comment! I only gots 3 comments, and two of them are from friends. GRAHHHHH! Onegaiiiiiiiiiii~?